Hand injuries not only result in significant pain and discomfort, but they can also lead to permanent damage.
Particularly in more severe cases, such as metacarpal fractures, ligament tears, or nerve damage, these injuries can also have life-altering consequences.
Aside from physical pain and restricted mobility, hand injuries can make even basic daily activities extremely difficult, such as standing up, eating, drinking water, maintaining personal hygiene, and dressing. And they can be emotionally, psychologically, and even financially distressing.
Common Serious Hand Injuries After Car Accidents
Hand injuries in car crashes often happen when the hand strikes the steering wheel or from the sudden force of an airbag deploying. While minor cuts or bruises may heal quickly, more severe injuries often need extensive treatment and recovery time. Here are some of the most frequent serious hand injuries caused by vehicle accidents:
- Metacarpal fractures: These occur when one or more of the five long bones in your hand, known as metacarpals, crack or break. They connect your wrist to your fingers and are crucial for grip and movement.
- Ligament tear: Sometimes called sprains, these happen when the tough bands connecting bones in a joint stretch too far or tear completely.
- Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves in the hand can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Victims of hand injuries from car accidents may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability through a personal injury claim.
How Hand Injuries Impact Daily Life and Legal Options
Hand injuries caused by car accidents can also have far-reaching consequences. Also, treating them often entails additional expenses. When a victim suffers from metacarpal fractures, ligament tears, or nerve damage, they may find it difficult to accomplish daily tasks such as:
- Personal care: Bathing, dressing, brushing hair, and even eating
- Household chores: Cleaning, cooking, organizing, washing clothes and other household items, yard work
- Driving and errands: Driving, shopping, and running errands, including trips to the bank and government offices
Victims suffering from hand injuries also find themselves unable to return to work or even enjoy their hobbies. Furthermore, treatment and recovery would take time, which could have the following consequences:
- Reduced work capacity
- Lost wages
- Abandoning hobbies
Aside from physical challenges, hand injuries can also lead to adverse psychological effects, such as interruptions in sleeping schedules and emotional damage. Last but not least, these injuries can also mean additional expenses as victims need to undergo medical interventions for their treatment. They need to shell out more money not only to cover medical bills for treatment and potential surgeries, but also for rehabilitation.
Consult with our Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Sean M. Cleary
If you suffered a hand injury stemming from a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation, and our team from The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary can help you.
We understand the long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences of these injuries. That's why our experienced team has dedicated its efforts to helping dozens of victims of car accidents understand their legal options, protect their rights, and ensure they get the compensation they rightfully deserve. We have provided legal support to many individuals, including victims of car accidents who suffered severe hand injuries, for over 25 years. Contact our office today for a free consultation.